Storage Device System

ABSTRACT

A tool storage device system includes a base and a tool storage container removably coupled to the base. The tool storage container slides in a first direction relative to the base to attach the tool storage container to the base, and the tool storage container slides in a second direction, opposite the first direction, relative to the base to remove the tool storage container from the base.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.16/682,979, filed Nov. 13, 2019, which is a continuation ofInternational Application No. PCT/US2018/033161, filed May 17, 2018,which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/507,310,filed on May 17, 2017, each of which are incorporated by referenceherein in their entireties.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to storage devices, including bags,storage totes, tool boxes and organizers.

Tool storage devices are often used to transport tools and accessories.Tool storage devices include soft-sided storage devices such as a toolbags, and rigid storage devices such as tool boxes and organizers.Soft-sided storage devices include walls made of flexible material andtypically have a bottom made of a rigid material. Rigid storage devicesinclude a rigid base and a rigid cover coupled thereto. The rigid basemay include dividers and storage compartments for storing and organizingtools and accessories.

SUMMARY

The present invention provides, in one aspect, a backpack including afirst shoulder strap, a second shoulder strap, a base coupled to thefirst and second shoulder straps, the base configured to extend along auser's back when the shoulder straps extend over the user's shoulders,and a tool storage container. The tool storage container is removablycoupled to the base. The tool storage container slides in a firstdirection relative to the base to attach the tool storage container tothe base, and the tool storage container slides in a second direction,opposite the first direction, relative to the base to remove the toolstorage container from the base.

The present invention provides, in another aspect, a tool cart includinga plurality of wheels configured to support the tool cart on a surfacesuch that the tool cart can roll along the surface, and a base having atop side and a bottom side opposite the top side. The plurality ofwheels are positioned adjacent the bottom side. The tool cart furtherincludes a tool storage container removably coupled to the top side ofthe base. The tool storage container slides in a first directionrelative to the base and generally parallel to the top side to attachthe tool storage container to the base, and the tool storage containerslides in a second direction, opposite the first direction, relative tothe base and generally parallel to the top side to remove the toolstorage container from the base.

The present invention provides, in another aspect, a tool cart includinga base with a top side, a bottom side opposite the top side, a firstend, and a second end opposite the first end. The tool cart alsoincludes a handle that extends from the first end, first and secondwheels adjacent the second end, and a tool storage container. The toolstorage container is removably coupled to the top side of the base. Thetool storage container slides in a first direction relative to the baseand generally parallel to the top side to attach the tool storagecontainer to the base, and the tool storage container slides in a seconddirection, opposite the first direction, relative to the base andgenerally parallel to the top side to remove the tool storage containerfrom the base.

Other features and aspects of the invention will become apparent byconsideration of the following detailed description and accompanyingdrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a storage device system including asoft-sided storage device coupled to a rigid storage device.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the soft-sided storage device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view of the soft-sided storage device ofFIG. 2 .

FIG. 4 is another bottom perspective view of the soft-sided storagedevice of FIG. 2 .

FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of the rigid storage device of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 6 is a top view of the rigid storage device of FIG. 5 .

FIG. 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the storagedevice system of FIG. 1 , illustrating a bottom of the soft-sidedstorage device disengaged from a top of the rigid storage device.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the portion of the storagedevice system shown in FIG. 7 , illustrating the bottom of thesoft-sided storage device engaged with the top of the rigid storagedevice.

FIG. 9 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the storagedevice system of FIG. 1 , illustrating a latch assembly in a lockingposition.

FIG. 10 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the portion of thestorage device system shown in FIG. 9 , illustrating the latch assemblyin an unlocking position.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the rigid storage device of FIG. 5 ,illustrating a cover in an open position.

FIG. 12 is a top perspective view of a bin for use with the storagecase.

FIG. 13 is a top view of the bin of FIG. 12 .

FIG. 14 is a side view of the bin of FIG. 12 .

FIG. 15 is a bottom view of the bin of FIG. 12 .

FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective view of the bin of FIG. 12 .

FIG. 17 illustrates two relatively short bins stacked on top of oneanother.

FIG. 18 illustrates a relatively tall bin.

FIG. 19 is an enlarged view of portions of the two relatively short binsof FIG. 17 stacked together.

FIG. 20 is an enlarged view of a portion of the storage case in the openposition.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a backpack of the storage devicesystem.

FIG. 22 illustrates an accessory rail usable with the storage devicesystem.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a tool storage container according toanother embodiment.

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a tool storage container according toanother embodiment.

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a tool storage container according toanother embodiment.

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a tool storage container according toanother embodiment.

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of a tool cart of the storage devicesystem.

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of a cooler according to one embodiment.

FIG. 29 is a perspective view of a tool cart of the storage devicesystem according to another embodiment.

FIG. 30 is a perspective view of a shelf unit of the storage devicesystem.

FIG. 31 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the shelf unitof FIG. 30 .

FIG. 32 illustrates a clamping rail usable with the storage devicesystem.

Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it isto be understood that the invention is not limited in its application tothe details of construction and the arrangement of components set forthin the following description or illustrated in the following drawings.The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced orof being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood thatthe phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose ofdescription and should not be regarded as limiting.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 illustrates a storage device system 10 including a soft-sidedstorage device 14, such as soft-sided bag, removably coupled to ahard-sided or rigid storage device 18, such as a rigid storage case(e.g., a rigid tool box or organizer).

With reference to FIGS. 2-4 , the bag 14 includes a rigid or hard bottommember 22 (e.g., thermoform plastic, etc.) and flexible sidewalls 26cooperating to define a storage compartment 30. The sidewalls 26 definean open top 34 for access to the storage compartment 30. A handle 38 isconnected between opposite sidewalls 26 and is engageable by a user tocarry the bag 14.

One or more interface or connection projections 46 are provided on thebottom member 22. In the illustrated embodiment, each projection 46extends from a bottom surface 50 of the bottom member 22 and isconfigured to cooperate with a connection recess 54 (FIGS. 5-6 ) on thestorage case 18 to interface and connect the bag 14 to the storage case18. In the illustrated embodiment, each projection 46 is formedintegrally with the bottom member 22, for example, in a thermoformingprocess. Each projection 46 has a channel 58 on each side of theprojection 46 extending parallel to a longitudinal axis A of the bottommember 22, as best shown in FIG. 4 . Each channel 58 has a front, openend 62 and a back, closed end 66 along the axis A. Each projection 46has a planar surface 70 with a generally rectangular shape. In otherembodiments, the planar surface 70 may be another shape, e.g., circular,triangular, etc. In the illustrated embodiment, there are sixprojections 46 arranged in three rows of two along the axis A. In otherembodiments, the bag 14 may include fewer or more projections 46, and/orthe projections 46 may be arranged in different patterns. Theprojections 46 are arranged such that the bag 14 can be supported on asurface by the projections 46 through contact with the planar surfaces70.

The bag 14 further includes a latch assembly 78 including a latch member82, as shown in FIG. 3 . The latch assembly 78 is supported by thebottom member 22 within a latch passage 86 defined in the bottom member22. The latch member 82 includes a grip portion 90 and an interferenceportion 94. The latch member 82 is slidingly movable along an axisperpendicular to the longitudinal axis A of the bottom member 22 withinthe latch passage 86. The interference portion 94 selectively protrudesfrom the latch passage 86 through a slot 98 defined in the bottomsurface 50 of the bottom member 22. The interference portion 94 has atapered surface 102 (FIG. 7 ) at a distal end thereof. The latch member82 is movable between a first or locking position (FIG. 9 ) in which theinterference portion 94 extends through the slot 98, and a second orunlocking position (FIG. 10 ) in which the interference portion 94 isretracted into the latch passage 86 and does not extend through the slot98. The latch assembly 78 further includes a biasing member 106 (e.g., acompression spring) arranged to bias the latch member 82 into thelocking position (FIG. 9 ). The latch member 82 may be urged against thebiasing member 106 to the unlocking position (FIG. 10 ) by pushing onthe grip portion 90. In the locking position, the interference portion94 does not extend beyond the planar surfaces 70 of the projections 46.

With reference to FIGS. 5 and 6 , the storage case 18 includes a base114 and a top or cover 118. The cover 118 is movably coupled to the base114 between a closed position (FIG. 5 ) and an open position (FIG. 11 ).In the illustrated embodiment, the cover 118 is pivotally coupled to thebase 114 by a hinge 122. The cover 118 includes cover latches 126 toreleasably secure the cover 118 in the closed position. The storage case18 also includes a side handle 130 to facilitate independently carryingthe storage case 18.

With continued reference to FIGS. 5 and 6 , a top surface 134 of thecover 118 defines the connection recesses 54 that receive and cooperatewith the projections 46. In the illustrated embodiment, the connectionrecesses 54 include two rows of two small recesses 54 a corresponding totwo rows of two projections 46 and one large recess 54 b correspondingto a row of two projections 46. In other embodiments, the cover 118 mayinclude different numbers of patterns of recesses 54, depending on thearrangement of the projections 46 on the bag 14. When the projections 46are received in the connection recesses 54, the bottom surface 50 of thebottom member 22 is arranged to contact and be supported by the topsurface 134 of the cover 118.

An interference projection or wing 142 extends into each connectionrecess 54 parallel to a longitudinal axis B of the cover 118 on oppositesides of the connection recess 54 from one end of the connection recess54. Each of the wings 142 corresponds to and is configured to cooperatewith a corresponding one of the channels 58 of the projection 46received by the respective connection recess 54. Each of the wings 142has a length that extends approximately half the connection recess 54 todefine a first portion 146 of the connection recess 54 and a secondportion 150 opposite the wings 142, which remains open. The secondportion 150 of each connection recess 54 is sized to receive one of theprojections 46 generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis B into afirst, disconnected position (FIG. 7 ). In the disconnected position,the projections 46 are oriented within the connection recesses 54 suchthat the open ends 62 of the channels 58 are nearer to the wings 142than the closed ends 66. Once in the disconnected position, the bottommember 22 may be slid relative to the cover 118 parallel thelongitudinal axes A, B in a first direction 152 toward the wings 142such that the wings 142 are received within the channels 58 in a second,interfaced or connected position (FIG. 8 ). The wings 142 and theprojections 46 engage within the connection recesses 54 to interface andconnect the bottom member 22 with the cover 118 and preventdisconnection of the bottom member 22 from the cover 118, except in asecond direction 154 opposite the first direction 152 and generallyparallel to the longitudinal axes A, B. The wings 142 and the channels58 engage one another perpendicular to the longitudinal axes A, B (i.e.,perpendicular to the top surface 134 of the cover 118 and the bottomsurface 50 of the bottom member 22) when carrying the bag 14 and thestorage case 18 as a single unit via the handle 38 of the bag 14 (seeFIG. 1 ).

With continued reference to FIGS. 5 and 6 , the top surface 134 of thecover 118 further defines an interference or locking aperture 158. Inthe illustrated embodiment, the locking aperture 158 is located at oneend of the cover 118. The end of the cover 118 has a sloped surface 162adjacent the locking aperture 158. The locking aperture 158 is elongateand extends transverse to the longitudinal axis B of the cover 118parallel to a short side of the cover 118. The locking aperture 158 islocated such that when the bottom member 22 and the cover 118 are in theconnected position, the locking aperture 158 is aligned with theinterference portion 94 of the latch member 82. The locking aperture 158is sized to receive and engage the interference portion 94 when thelatch member 82 is in the locking position (FIG. 9 ). When theinterference portion 94 is engaged with the locking aperture 158 in thelocking position, the latch member 82 obstructs movement of the bottommember 22 relative to the cover 118 from the connected position to thedisconnected position in the second direction 154, thereby inhibitingdisconnection of the bag 14 from the storage case 18. In particular, theinterference portion 94 interferes with the cover 118 within the lockingaperture 158 such that the wings 142 cannot be removed from the channels58 of the projections 46 in the second direction 154.

A user may couple the soft-sided bag 14 to the rigid storage case 18 tocarry as a coupled unit by first, inserting the connection projections46 of the bottom member 22 in a direction perpendicular to the cover 118and into the second portion 150 of the connection recesses 54 of thecover 118 such that the cover 118 supports the bag 14 in thedisconnected position (FIG. 7 ). The bottom member 22 and the cover 118are oriented such their longitudinal axes A, B are parallel, and thelatch assembly 78 is nearest the end of the cover 118 defining thelocking aperture 158. The bag 14 (i.e., the bottom member 22) is thenmanually slid in the first direction 152 such that the wings 142 arereceived in the channels 58 through the open end 62 of the channels 58until the wings 142 abut the closed end 66 of the channels 58 in theconnected position (FIG. 8 ). As the bottom member 22 slides relative tothe cover 118 from the disconnected position to the connected position,the latch member 82, which is biased into the locking position (FIGS. 7and 9 ) by the biasing member 106, is urged into the unlocking position(FIG. 8 ) by the sloped surface 162 of the cover 118 until aligned withthe locking aperture 158 when in the connected position. The biasingmember 106 then automatically biases the latch member 82 back into thelocking position (FIG. 9 ) in which the interference portion 94 isreceived in and engages the locking aperture 158. Alternatively, a usermay urge the latch member 82 into the unlocking position (FIG. 10 ) bypushing on the grip portion 90 upwardly against the biasing force of thebiasing member 106. The user holds the latch member 82 in the unlockingposition while sliding the bag 14 in the first direction 152 from thedisconnected position to the connected position. Once in the connectedposition (FIG. 10 ), the user may release the latch member 82, therebyallowing the latch member 82 to be biased into the locking positionwhere the interference portion 94 is received in and engages the lockingaperture 158. The interference portion 94 of the latch member 82 extendsinto the locking aperture, thereby inhibiting relative movement of thebag 14 and the storage case 18 in the second direction 154 parallel tothe longitudinal axes A, B. Accordingly, the latch assembly 78 and thelocking aperture 158 cooperate to secure the soft-sided bag 14 and therigid storage case 18 in the connected position as a unit to be carriedby the handle 38 of the bag 14. The handle 38 is positioned such thatwhen the bag 14 and the storage case 18 are coupled as a unit, thehandle 38 is above a center of gravity of the coupled unit.

When the soft-sided bag 14 and the rigid storage case 18 are coupledtogether, the user may quickly decouple them to carry or access each ofthe storage devices 14, 18 separately. The user first urges the latchmember 82 into the unlocking position (FIG. 10 ) by pushing on the gripportion 90 upwardly against the biasing force of the biasing member 106.While holding the latch member 82 in the unlocking position, the userthen slides the bag 14 relative to the cover 118 in the second direction154 along the longitudinal axes A, B from the connected position (FIG. 8) to the disconnected position (FIG. 7 ). The wings 142 disengage fromthe channels 58 and the projections 46 are moved into the second portion150 of the connection recesses 54, allowing the bag 14 to bedisconnected in a direction away from and perpendicular to the topsurface 134 of the cover 118.

The latch assembly 78 is dimensioned and constructed to be movablebetween the locking and unlocking positions to couple the bag 14 to thecover 118. The latch assembly 78 does not interfere with opening thestorage case 18 so that the storage case 18 on the bottom will still beable to be opened with the soft-sided bag 14 attached to the cover 118.

It should be understood that, in other constructions, multiple latchassemblies 78 and corresponding locking apertures 158 may be provided onthe bag 14 and the storage case 18. Such an arrangement may, forexample, provide an increased connection between the storage devices 14,18, balance or reduce the load on a given latch assembly, etc.

It should also be understood that, in other constructions, the latchassembly 78 and the locking aperture 158 may be reversed (e.g., themovable latch member 82 and the biasing member 106 may be supported onthe cover 118 or the base 114 of the storage case 18, and the lockingaperture 158 may be defined by the bottom member 22 of the bag 14).Additionally or alternatively, the relative locations of the projections46 and the recesses 54 may be reversed (e.g., the projections 46 mayextend from the cover 118 of the storage case 18, and the recesses 54may be formed in the bottom member 22 of the soft-sided bag 14).

As shown in FIG. 1 , the storage devices 14, 18 have approximately thesame perimeter dimensions. There is one pair of latch assembly 78 andlocking aperture 158 at one end of the storage devices 14, 18. However,in alternate embodiments, the storage devices 14, 18 may have differentperimeter dimensions (e.g., the bag 14 is shorter than the storage case18). In such embodiments, the bag 14 may have fewer projections 46arranged such that the bag 14 may be connected to the storage case 18 insubstantially the same manner as described above, except where one ormore of the connection recesses 54 in the cover 118 does not receive aprojection 46. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodimentsmultiple soft-sided bags 14 having smaller dimensions than the storagecase 18 may be simultaneously connected to the storage case 18.

As shown in FIG. 11 , a plurality of bins 170A, 170B, or inserts, arepositioned within the base 114. The base 114 includes a bottom wall 172and sidewalls 174 extending from the bottom wall defining an interior176 with a depth D. The bins 170A, 170B are independently removable fromthe storage case 18 when the storage case 18 is open (i.e., the cover118 is in the open position), as shown in FIG. 11 . The bins 170A, 170Binclude relatively tall, or deep, bins 170A (FIG. 18 ) and relativelyshort, or shallow, bins 170B (FIGS. 12-17 ). The illustrated bins 170A,170B are generally composed of plastic, but may alternatively be made ofother materials. Each of the illustrated bins 170A, 170B is generallysquare in shape when viewed from above (FIG. 13 ). In other embodiments,the bins 170A, 170B may have other shapes (e.g., triangular, octagonal,circular, etc.). In the illustrated embodiment, the bins 170A, 170B arearranged within the base 114 as a grid of six (i.e., three rows of two).In other embodiments, the base 114 may be shaped and sized to receive alarger or smaller number of bins, and/or the bins 170A, 170B may bearranged within the base 114 in other patterns.

FIGS. 12-16 illustrate one of the relatively short bins 170B in detail.The bin 170B includes a bottom wall 186 and four sidewalls 190 extendinggenerally perpendicularly from the bottom wall 186. The bottom wall 186and the sidewalls 190 define a storage recess or space 194. Each of therelatively short bins 170B has a height HB (FIG. 14 ).

The bin 170B also includes ledges 198 formed on an inner surface 202 ofthe bin 170B at each corner 206 between adjacent sidewalls 190. Theledges 198 are positioned at a depth below a top edge 210 of thesidewalls 190 and a height above the bottom wall 186. In the illustratedembodiment, the ledges 198 are located at a depth that is approximatelya quarter of the height HB below the top edge 210. In some embodimentsthe ledge 198 may extend around the perimeter of the sidewalls 190. Theledges 198 are configured to engage and support another bin when, forexample, two relatively short bins 170B are stacked together, as bestshown in FIG. 17 . The bottom wall 186 at each corner 206 of the upperbin 170B is supported on each ledge 198 of the lower bin 170B. Each ofthe sidewalls 190 includes a lower, first portion 218 and an upper,second portion 222 that are stepped such that the first portion 218 hasa smaller outer dimension than the second portion 222. As such, thesidewalls 190 of the upper bin 170B are partially received in thestorage space 194 of the lower bin 170B up to the ledges 198 of thelower bin 170B. When stacked, the two relatively short bins 170B have astacked height SH (FIG. 17 ). In other embodiments, more than two bins170B may be stacked. Due to the top bin 170B being partially received inthe bottom bin 170B, the stacked height SH is less than the total heightof the two bins 170B (i.e., two times the height HB of the bins 170B).

The bin 170B further includes ribs 230 formed on an outer surface 234 ofthe bin 170B at the corners 206 between adjacent sidewalls 190. Each ofthe ribs 230 protrudes outwardly from the outer surface 234 and extendsdown from the top edge 210 toward the bottom wall 186. In theillustrated embodiment, each of the corners 206 has two ribs 230. Insome embodiments, ribs may be formed on the sidewalls 190 between thecorners 206 in addition to or in place of the ribs 230 formed at thecorners 206.

As best shown in FIG. 19 , when two or more bins 170B are stacked, theribs 230 protrude from the outer surface 234 of the upper bin 170B tocontact and engage the inner surface 202 of the lower bin 170B to spaceapart the sidewalls 190 of the stacked bins 170B. Accordingly, the ribs230 help maintain a space or gap 238 between the stacked bins 170B forairflow, thereby inhibiting the stacked bins 170B from getting stucktogether due to vacuum effects. In other words, the gap 238 providesfluid communication between a cavity formed between the inner surface202 of the lower bin 170B and the outer surface 234 of the bin 170Bbelow the ledge 198 of the lower bin 170B and atmosphere, therebyinhibiting a vacuum from forming when the bins 170B are stacked.

In some embodiments, such as the illustrated embodiment, the bin 170Bincludes a track 242 formed on the inner surface 202 of the bin 170B, asbest shown in FIG. 16 . The track 242 extends partially along twoopposing sidewalls 190 and along the bottom wall 186. The track 242 isconfigured to removably receive a dividing wall 246, or partition, fordividing the storage space 194 into separate compartments. Theillustrated dividing wall 246 splits the storage space 194 in half. Inother embodiments, the track 242 and the dividing wall 246 may bepositioned to split the storage space 194 into unequally sizedcompartments, or the bin 170B may include multiple tracks for receivingmultiple dividing walls. In some embodiments, the track 242 and thedividing wall 246 may be omitted. In the illustrated embodiment, theheight of the dividing wall 246 inhibits a bin 170B from being stackedon a bin 170B with a dividing wall 246. In other embodiments, thedividing wall 246 may have a height that does not interfere withstacking the bins 170B.

FIG. 18 illustrates one of the relatively tall bins 170A. The relativelytall bin 170A is substantially similar to the relatively short bins170B. However, the relatively tall bin 170A has a height HA greater thanthe height HB of the relatively short bin 170B. The stacked height SH oftwo relatively short bins 170B, when stacked together, is generallyequal to the height HA of the relatively tall bin 170A. In addition, theheight HB of the one relatively tall bin 170A and the stacked height SHof two relatively short bins 170B stacked together are each generallyequal to the height or depth D of the base 114 of the storage device 18.

As best shown in FIG. 20 , a user may remove an upper bin of two stackedrelatively short bins 170B within the base 114 of the storage case 18 toallow access to the storage space 194 of the lower bin 170B.Accordingly, the stacked bins 170B within the storage device 18 provideadditional storage and organizing space that can be easily reconfiguredand arranged as necessary.

Referring to FIG. 21 , in some embodiments, the storage device system 10further includes a backpack 310 with a rigid base 314 and first andsecond flexible shoulder straps 318, 322 coupled to the base 314. Thebase 310 is configured to extend along a user's back when the shoulderstraps 318, 322 extend over the user's shoulders. The length of eachshoulder strap 318, 322 is preferably adjustable to allow the user toposition the base 314 in a comfortable position along the user's back.In the illustrated embodiment, the backpack 310 also includes waist belt326 coupled to the base 314 proximate a bottom end 330 of the base 314and a handle 334 extending from a top end 338 of the base 314.

With continued reference to FIG. 21 , a generally planar face 340defines a rear surface of the base 314 that is oriented rearward whenthe backpack 310 is worn by the user. The base 314 defines alongitudinal axis C extending centrally through the top and bottom ends338, 330. The illustrated base 314 is rectangular and includes a length342 measured parallel to the longitudinal axis C and a width 346measured perpendicular to the axis C. The length 342 is longer than thewidth 346 so as to generally correspond with the shape of the user'sback.

The base 314 further includes an attachment interface 350 for receivingand removably coupling a tool storage container 352 to the base 314.Referring to FIG. 25 , the illustrated tool storage container 352includes a rigid body 356 defining a longitudinal axis 356 and a rigidlid 360 pivotally coupled to the body 356 (e.g., by a hinge). Theillustrated attachment interface 350 also allows other tool storagecontainers of the storage device system 10 to be removably andinterchangeably coupled to the base 314. For example, the bag 14 and thestorage case 18 may be coupled to the base 314. The configuration of thebase 314 advantageously allows the backpack 310 to be used tointerchangeably carry a variety of different tool storage containers ina hands-free manner.

The attachment interface 350 on the base 314 includes a plurality ofconnection recesses 54—including small connection recesses 54 a andlarge connection recesses 54 b—like those on the cover 118 of thestorage case 18 described above with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6 . Aninterference projection or wing 142 extends into each connection recess54 parallel to a longitudinal axis C of the base 314 on opposite sidesof the connection recess 54 at one end of the connection recess 54. Theattachment interface 350 further includes a plurality of lockingapertures 158. In the illustrated embodiment, the attachment interface350 includes two locking apertures 158 spaced in the length direction ofthe base 314.

The tool storage container 352 includes projections on a bottom surface364 (FIG. 25 ) of the body 356, which are like the projections 46described above with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4 . The projections on thetool storage container 352 are receivable within the connection recesses54 on the base 314, and each of the wings 142 corresponds to and isconfigured to cooperate with a channel 58 (FIG. 4 ) of the projection 46received by the respective connection recess 54. The tool storagecontainer 352 also includes a latch assembly like the latch assembly 78described above with reference to FIGS. 7-10 , with one or moreinterference portion(s) 94 that are receivable within the lockingaperture(s) 158 on the base 314. In the illustrated embodiment, the lid360 of the tool storage container 352 includes an attachment interface350′ that is substantially identical to the attachment interface 350 onthe base 314 (FIG. 25 ). As such, one or more additional tool storagecontainers (not shown) can be coupled to the lid 360, such that the oneor more additional tool storage containers can also be carried using thebackpack 310.

In use, to couple the tool storage container 352 to the backpack 310,the user positions the bottom surface 364 the tool storage container 352adjacent the rear surface 340 of the base 314 and aligns the projections46 (FIG. 4 ) with the recesses 54 (FIG. 21 ) on the base 314. The userthen slides the tool storage container 352 relative to the base 314 in afirst direction 368, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis Cand parallel with the width 346, to attach the tool storage container352 to the base 314 generally in the manner described above forattaching the bag 14 to the case 18. Likewise, to decouple and removethe tool storage container 352 from the backpack 310, the userdisengages the latch assembly 78 by moving the interference portion(s)94 to the unlocking position in the manner described above. The userthen slides the tool storage container 352 relative to the base 314 in asecond direction 372 opposite the first direction 368. Once theprojections 46 clear the recesses 54, the tool storage container 352 canbe freely removed from the backpack 310.

Referring to FIG. 22 , in some embodiments, the storage device system 10further includes an accessory rail 410 configured for attachment to theattachment interface 350′ on the lid 360 of the tool storage container352 (or any other tool storage container of the system 10 that includesa similar attachment interface). The accessory rail 410 includes a latchassembly 78 with an interference portion 94 that is engageable with anyof the locking apertures 158 on the tool storage container 352.

The accessory rail 410 includes a top side 414 defining a planarclamping surface 418 and a longitudinally-extending slot 422. A varietyof different accessories can be coupled to the slot 422. For example, inthe illustrated embodiment, a bar clamp 424 is coupled to the slot 422.The bar clamp 424 can thus be used to clamp a workpiece against theclamping surface 418 of the accessory rail 410. A pair of mountingbrackets 426 extends downward from the bottom of the accessory rail 410.Each of the mounting brackets 426 is configured to receive one of thewings 142 on the attachment interface 350′ when the accessory rail 410is coupled to the lid 360.

In use, to couple the accessory rail 410 to the lid 360 of the toolstorage container 352, the user aligns the mounting brackets 426 withthe wings 142. The user then slides the accessory rail 410 relative tothe base lid 360 in a first direction 468 and engages the interferenceportion 94 with one of the locking apertures 158. Likewise, to decoupleand remove the accessory rail 410 from the lid 360, the user disengagesthe latch assembly 78 by moving the interference portion 94 to theunlocking position. The user then slides the accessory rail 410 relativeto the lid 360 in a second direction 472 opposite the first direction468. Once the mounting brackets 426 clear the wings 142, the rail 410can be freely removed from the lid 410. The attachment interface 350′allows multiple accessory rails 410 to be attached to the lid 360 at thesame time. The tool storage container 352 and accessory rails 410 canthus provide a portable workpiece support system.

FIG. 23 illustrates a tool storage container 552 according to anotherembodiment and that is usable with the storage device system 10. Likethe tool storage container 352 described above, the tool storagecontainer 552 includes a lid 560 provided with an attachment interface550. The tool storage container 552 is thinner than the tool storagecontainer 352. In some embodiments, for example, the tool storagecontainer 552 is approximately half the thickness of the tool storagecontainer 352. In some embodiments, the tool storage container 552defines an overall thickness 570 between about 60 mm and about 70 mm.

FIG. 24 illustrates a tool storage container 652 according to anotherembodiment and that is usable with the storage device system 10. Thetool storage container 652 is similar to the tool storage container 552but is approximately half the width of the tool storage container 552.In some embodiments, the tool storage container 652 defines an overallwidth 672 between about 200 mm and about 300 mm.

FIG. 26 illustrates a tool storage container 752 according to anotherembodiment and that is usable with the storage device system 10. Likethe tool storage container 352 described above, the tool storagecontainer includes a lid 760 provided with an attachment interface 750.The tool storage container 752 further includes a plurality of drawers767 that are slidable between an open position 769 projecting from afront side 771 of the storage container 752 and a closed position 773 inwhich the drawers 767 are generally flush with the front side 771 of thestorage container 752. The drawers 767 provide convenient access to thecontents of the tool storage container 752, even while other componentsof the storage device system 10 (e.g., an accessory rail 410, one ormore other tool storage containers, etc.) are coupled to the attachmentinterface 750.

Referring to FIG. 27 , in some embodiments, the storage device system 10further includes a tool cart 810 with a rigid base 814 having a top side815 and a bottom side 816 opposite the top side 815. The base 814 issupported on a plurality of wheels 817 adjacent the bottom side 816. Theillustrated wheels 817 are rotatable casters coupled to the base 814proximate each of the four corners of the base 814. A brake 819 iscoupled to one of the wheels 817 to secure the tool cart 810 in adesired position. In some embodiments, multiple brakes 819 may beprovided for additional security. In addition, other types of wheels 817may be used, and the wheels 817 may be arranged in any configurationsuitable for supporting the base 814 in a stable manner.

The illustrated base 814 includes a length 842 and a width 846 measuredperpendicular to the length 842. The base 814 defines a longitudinalaxis D extending centrally through the base 814 in the length direction.The length 842 is longer than the width 846 such that the base 814 has arectangular shape. The base 814 further includes an attachment interface850 for receiving and removably coupling a tool storage container (e.g.,the tool storage container 352) to the base 814. The illustratedattachment interface 850 also allows other tool storage containers ofthe storage device system 10 to be removably and interchangeably coupledto the base 814. The configuration of the base 814 advantageously allowsthe cart 810 to be used to interchangeably support and transport avariety of different tool storage containers.

The attachment interface 850 includes a plurality of connection recesses54—including small connection recesses 54 a and large connectionrecesses 54 b—like those on the cover 118 of the storage case 18described above with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6 . An interferenceprojection or wing 142 extends into each connection recess 54 parallelto the longitudinal axis D of the base 814 on opposite sides of theconnection recess 54 at one end of the connection recess 54. Theattachment interface 850 further includes a plurality of lockingapertures 158. In the illustrated embodiment, the attachment interface850 includes two locking apertures 158 spaced in the length direction ofthe base 814. As described above, the projections on the bottom surface364 (FIG. 25 ) of the tool storage container 352 and latch assembly 78cooperate with the attachment interface 850 to removably couple the toolstorage container 352 to the base 814.

In use, to couple the tool storage container 352 to the tool cart 810,the user first engages the brake 819 to secure the cart 810. Next, theuser positions the bottom surface 364 the tool storage container 352adjacent the top side 815 of the base 814 and aligns the projections 46(FIG. 4 ) with the recesses 54 (FIG. 27 ) on the base 814. The user thenslides the tool storage container 352 relative to the base 814 in afirst direction 868, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis Dand generally parallel to the top side 815, to attach the tool storagecontainer 352 to the base 814 generally in the manner described abovefor attaching the bag 14 to the case 18. The brake 819 inhibits the toolcart 810 from rolling under the force of the user attaching thecontainer 352 to the base 814. Once the container 352 is attached, theuser disengages the brake 819 and can then transport the tool storagecontainer 352 by rolling the tool cart 810 along a surface (e.g., theground).

Likewise, to decouple and remove the tool storage container 352 from thetool cart 810, the user engages the brake 819, then disengages the latchassembly 78 by moving the interference portion(s) 94 to the unlockingposition in the manner described above. The user then slides the toolstorage container 352 relative to the base 814 in a second direction 872opposite the first direction 868. Once the projections 46 clear therecesses 54, the tool storage container 352 can be freely removed fromthe tool cart 810.

The cart 810 may be a particularly convenient means for transportingmultiple storage containers at the same time. In the illustratedembodiment, a second tool storage container 352 b can be coupled to thelid 360 of the tool storage container 352 in the same manner asdescribed above. In particular, the second tool storage container 352 bcan be slid in the first direction 868 relative to the tool storagecontainer 352 to attach the second tool storage container 352 b to thelid 360 of the tool storage container 352, and the second tool storagecontainer 352 b can be slid in the second direction 872 relative to thetool storage container 352 to remove the second tool storage container352 b. Additional tool storage containers 352 c, 352 d can be furtherstacked in this manner and securely transported together on the toolcart 810.

FIG. 28 illustrates a cooler 910 according that is usable with thestorage device system 10. The cooler includes a rigid body 914 and arigid lid 918 coupled to the body 914. The body 914 and the lid 918 areinsulated or are made of an insulating material. The lid 918 may bepivotally coupled to the body 914 in some embodiments or alternativelymay be removably coupled to the body 914. The cooler 910 includes aplurality of projections (not shown) like the projections 46 describedabove that allow the cooler 910 to be removably coupled to othercomponents of the storage device system 10. Likewise, the cooler 910also includes a latch assembly 78.

Referring to FIG. 29 , in some embodiments, the storage device system 10further includes a tool cart 1010 with a rigid base 1014 having a topside 1015 and a bottom side 1016 opposite the top side 1015. Theillustrated base 1014 includes a length 1042 and a width 1046 measuredperpendicular to the length 1042. The length 1042 is longer than thewidth 1046 such that the base 1014 has a rectangular shape. A first end1047 of the base 1014 extends between the top side 1015 and the bottomside 1016 in the width direction, and a second end 1048 of the base 1014extends between the top side 1015 and the bottom side 1016 opposite thefirst end 1047. The base 1014 defines a longitudinal axis E extendingcentrally through the base 1014 in the length direction, through thefirst and second ends 1047, 1048.

In the illustrated embodiment, the base 1014 is supported on first andsecond wheels 1017 a, 1017 b adjacent the second end 1048. The cart 1010includes a handle 1049 extending from the first end 1047. Theillustrated handle 1049 is generally U-shaped and includes a gripportion 1049 a spanning between two leg portions 1049 b. The handle 1049may be slidable relative to the base 1014 in order to extend or retractthe handle 1049.

The base 1014 further includes an attachment interface 1050 forreceiving and removably coupling a tool storage container (e.g., thetool storage container 352) or multiple tool storage containers to thebase 1014 generally in the same manner as described above with respectto the tool cart 810 illustrated in FIG. 27 .

Referring to FIG. 30 , in some embodiments, the storage device system 10further includes an adjustable shelf unit 1110. The adjustable shelfunit 1110 includes a frame 1114 and a plurality of shelves 1118 movablycoupled to the frame 1114. The shelves 1118 can thus be positioned onthe frame 1114 at a variety of different spacings. In the illustratedembodiment, the frame 1114 includes a bottom portion 1122 with aplurality of wheels 1126 (e.g., casters) that support the frame 1114. Assuch, the frame 1114 is mobile and can be conveniently moved about a jobsite. In other embodiments, the frame 1114 may be secured to a wall, theinterior of a vehicle, or other fixed structures, for example.

Referring to FIG. 31 , each of the shelves 1118 includes an attachmentinterface 1150 that is compatible with any of the storage containers ofthe storage device system 10. Thus, as illustrated in FIG. 30 , the toolstorage container 352 or any other tool storage container of the system10 can be removably coupled to any of the shelves 1118. In addition, theshelves 1118 can be spaced such that the lid 360 of the container 352 isopenable even while the body 356 of the container 352 remains coupled tothe shelf 1118.

Referring to FIG. 32 , in some embodiments, the storage device system 10further includes two clamp rails 1210 configured for attachment to theattachment interface 350′ on the lid 360 of the tool storage container352 (or any other tool storage container of the system 10 that includesa similar attachment interface). Each clamp rail 1210 includes a latchassembly 78 with an interference portion 94 that is engageable with anyof the locking apertures 158 (FIG. 25 ) on the tool storage container352.

Each clamp rail 1210 includes first and second pairs of clamping jaws1222 located at opposite ends of the clamp rail 410. Each set ofclamping jaws 1222 may be adjustable to vary a distance between theindividual jaws 1222, or the individual jaws 1222 may be spaced at afixed spacing. In some embodiments, the individual jaws 1222 may beresiliently deformable to apply a resilient clamping force on aworkpiece 1225 (e.g., a 2 x 4). The clamping jaws 1222 are configured tosupport the workpiece 1225 above the lid 360 of the container 352. Thetool storage container 352 and clamping rails 1210 can thus provide aportable workpiece support system.

Various features of the invention are set forth in the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A tool storage container comprising: a housingcomprising a front side; a first drawer slidably engaged with thehousing, the first drawer slidable between a first open positionprojecting from the front side of the housing and a closed position inwhich the first drawer is generally flush with the front side of thehousing, the first drawer defining a first storage compartment; and alid coupled to the housing, the lid comprising a plurality of connectionrecesses, each of the plurality of connection recesses including arecessed surface and two wings extending above opposing sides of therecessed surface.
 2. The tool storage container of claim 1, wherein eachof the wings has a length that extends approximately half the length ofthe respective connection recess the wing extends above.
 3. The toolstorage container of claim 1, the lid comprising a latch recessconfigured to receive a latch, the latch recess located between theplurality of connection recesses and a front side of the lid that isadjacent the front side of the housing.
 4. The tool storage container ofclaim 3, wherein each connection recess of the plurality of connectionrecesses comprises a backwall, an opposing front wall, a first sidewall,and an opposing second sidewall, the backwall and the front wall eachextending from the first sidewall to the second sidewall, and wherein afirst wing of the two wings extends from the backwall towards the frontwall and the front side of the lid, and the first wing extends from thefirst sidewall towards the second sidewall, and wherein a second wing ofthe two wings extends from the backwall towards the front wall and thefront side of the lid, and the second wing extends from the secondsidewall towards the first sidewall.
 5. A cooler comprising: a bodycomprising a bottom side; a lid coupled to the body, the body and lidcollectively defining a storage compartment, the body and lid formedfrom an insulating material configured to insulate a temperature of thestorage compartment; a plurality of projections extending from thebottom side, each of the plurality of projections includes two channelson each side of the respective projection, the plurality of projectionsconfigured to couple to a plurality of connection recesses; and a latchmember slidingly movable with respect to the body, wherein when thelatch member is engaged with a locking aperture the plurality ofprojections cannot be decoupled from the plurality of connectionrecesses.
 6. The cooler of claim 5, wherein for each of the plurality ofprojections, each channel of the two channels includes an open end and aclosed end opposite the open end.
 7. The cooler of claim 6, wherein foreach of the plurality of projections, the closed end of each channel iscloser to the latch member than the open end.
 8. A backpack comprising:a first shoulder strap; a second shoulder strap; a base coupled to thefirst and second shoulder straps, the base configured to extend along auser's back when the shoulder straps extend over the user's shoulders;and a tool storage container, the tool storage container removablycoupled to the base, wherein the tool storage container slides in afirst direction relative to the base to attach the tool storagecontainer to the base and the tool storage container slides in a seconddirection, opposite the first direction, relative to the base to removethe tool storage container from the base.
 9. The backpack of claim 8,wherein the first and second shoulder straps are flexible and the baseis rigid.
 10. The backpack of claim 8, wherein the base is rectangularand the base includes a length and a width, the length being longer thanthe width, and wherein the first and second directions are parallel tothe width.
 11. The backpack of claim 8, wherein the tool storagecontainer includes a lid and a body, wherein the lid is pivotallycoupled to the body.
 12. The backpack of claim 11, wherein the lid andthe body are rigid.
 13. The backpack of claim 11, wherein the bodyincludes a bottom surface opposite the lid, wherein the bottom surfaceincludes a projection, wherein the base includes a recess, and whereinthe projection is received in the recess as the tool storage containerslides in the first direction relative to the base to attach the toolstorage container to the base.
 14. The backpack of claim 13, furthercomprising a channel between the projection and the base, the channelincluding an open end and a closed end, wherein the recess of the baseincludes wings that are received in the channel when the tool storagecontainer is attached to the base.
 15. A tool cart comprising: a base,the base including a top side, a bottom side opposite the top side, afirst end, and a second end opposite the first end; a handle thatextends from the first end; first and second wheels adjacent the secondend; a tool storage container, the tool storage container removablycoupled to the top side of the base, wherein the tool storage containerslides in a first direction relative to the base and generally parallelto the top side to attach the tool storage container to the base, andwherein the tool storage container slides in a second direction,opposite the first direction, relative to the base and generallyparallel to the top side to remove the tool storage container from thebase.
 16. The tool cart of claim 15, wherein the base is rectangular andthe base includes a length and a width, the length being longer than thewidth, and wherein the first and second directions are parallel to thewidth.
 17. The tool cart of claim 15, wherein the tool storage containerincludes a lid and a body, wherein the lid is pivotally coupled to thebody.
 18. The tool cart of claim 15, wherein the tool storage containerincludes a lid and a body, wherein the body includes a bottom surfaceopposite the lid, wherein the bottom surface includes a projection,wherein the base includes a recess, and wherein the projection isreceived in the recess as the tool storage container slides in the firstdirection relative to the base to attach the tool storage container tothe base.
 19. The tool cart of claim 18, further comprising a channelbetween the projection and the base, the channel including an open endand a closed end, wherein the recess of the base includes wings that arereceived in the channel when the tool storage container is attached tothe base.
 20. The tool cart of claim 18, wherein the tool storagecontainer is a first tool storage container, the tool cart furthercomprising a second tool storage container, the second tool storagecontainer removably coupled to the first tool storage container, whereinthe second tool storage container slides in the first direction relativeto the first tool storage container to attach the second tool storagecontainer to the first tool storage container, and wherein the secondtool storage container slides in the second direction relative to thefirst tool storage container to remove the second tool storage containerfrom the first tool storage container.